First Solar, Inc. FSLR is set to report second-quarter 2020 results on Aug 6, after market close.
In the last reported quarter, the company delivered an earnings surprise of 254.17%. However, it lagged the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters, the average negative surprise being 211.52%.
Factors to Consider
Although at the onset of the second quarter, the company was forced to operate at lower capacity due to the coronavirus pandemic, in May, the company’s entire manufacturing workforce returned. Its second facility in Ohio is likely to have returned to full capacity in the second quarter. Such capacity expansion is expected to have boosted the company’s revenues in the soon-to-be-reported quarter.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for second-quarter sales is pegged at $526.6 million, which indicates a 10% rise from the year-ago quarter’s reported figure.
First Solar, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise
First Solar, Inc. price-eps-surprise | First Solar, Inc. Quote
Partial shutdown at the onset of the second quarter and expected delays in shipments, owing to the coronavirus impact,might have had an adverse impact on the company’s quarterly bottom line.
Nevertheless, First Solar’s consistent efforts to reduce cost-per-watt related to the Series 6 modules, led by improved research and development (R&D) and the CuRe program, are likely to have offset the negative impacts.
Notably, during the months of March and April, the company’s capital utilization was more than 100%. We expect a similar trend to have continued in the months of May and June as well. This must have also had a favorable impact on second-quarter results.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company’s second-quarter earnings is pegged at 25 cents per share, implying a significant improvement from loss of 18 cents in the year-ago quarter.
Earnings Whispers
Our proven model predicts an earnings beat for First Solar this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the chances of an earnings beat.
Earnings ESP: The company’s Earnings ESP is +93.55%. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
Zacks Rank: First Solar currently carries a Zacks Rank #3. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Upcoming Solar Releases
Canadian Solar CSIQ carries a Zacks Rank #2 and is set to release second-quarter results on Aug 7.
ReneSola SOL carries a Zacks Rank #3 and is expected to post second-quarter 2020 results soon.
JinkoSolar Holdings JKS carries a Zacks Rank #3 and is projected to post second-quarter 2020 results soon.
Biggest Tech Breakthrough in a Generation
Be among the early investors in the new type of device that experts say could impact society as much as the discovery of electricity. Current technology will soon be outdated and replaced by these new devices. In the process, it’s expected to create 22 million jobs and generate $12.3 trillion in activity.
A select few stocks could skyrocket the most as rollout accelerates for this new tech. Early investors could see gains similar to buying Microsoft in the 1990s. Zacks’ just-released special report reveals 8 stocks to watch. The report is only available for a limited time.
See 8 breakthrough stocks now>>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
Zacks Investment Research
